Get ready to sit down in your most comfortable chair, pour yourself your favorite alcoholic beverage and enjoy one of these fine Cuban cigars. Well if you're allowed to smoke indoors otherwise as in my case i have to stand on my balcony overlooking the mountain Doi Suthep of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand.
No. 1 on my list is the Bolivar Coronas Gigantes
An easy smoking cigar with a well balanced and never an overpowering taste, unflawed construction, mixed flavours consisting of cinnamon, cappuccino, a little earthy, coffee and spice. The first third of all Bolivars tend to be mild, the 2nd a little earthy then the last third a full rich tobacco taste an excellent cigar. Length 178mm, 47-Ring Gauge
No.2 Montecristo No.2
A true Cuban classic, the best selling and probably the most renowned cigar in the world. The pyramid shape and aesthetics are not particularly pleasing to the eye as these are not rolled as professionally as one would expect but fortunately it has no bearing on the quality of the smoking experience. Woody notes and creaminess in the 1st third becoming a little more bitter in the second and hints of cocoa, coffee and spice. The third becoming more spicy, these cigars are not always rolled the best and sometimes the burn isn't perfect but a great tasting cigar if the conditions are right. Length 156mm, 52-Ring Gauge
No.3 Bolivar Belicoso Fino
Some say this cigar has the most consistent full bodied smoke that Cuba produces, yes Bolivars are strong but not overpowering. an earthy smoke with raw cocoa and coffee bean hints. A highly recommended cigar that's finely balanced and enjoyed by most who smoke it, maybe it should reach No.2 status as it's more consistent than the Montecristo. Length 140mm, 52-Ring Gauge
No.4 Hoyo De Monterey Epicure No.2
No.5 H. Upmann Magnum 50
The earlier Upmann's proved to be a little inconsistent but the new Magnum 50 is far removed and a great performer. Hint of toasted almonds in the 1st third, stonefruit, cloves, cinnamon, spice in second half, the third a consistent burn and very smooth. honey and cedar notes. A very pleasing look with deep Colorado colors. Length 160mm, 50-Ring Gauge
As with all things in life everything is a personal choice and peoples choices, tastes and opinions differ but based on average intake these fine cigars will appeal to most cigar smokers and some will have good and bad experiences with the best on offer due to different conditions, how old the cigar was or just picked a badly rolled cigar etc so many factors involved. But enjoy a fine Cuban cigar with your favorite drink when you can, life is to be enjoyed.
